The Center on Media, Technology & Democracy
We work to better understand the information ecosystem through cutting-edge science.
And leverage that research to strengthen the foundations of democracy.
Penn Media Accountability Project
Welcoming Our New Staff
Executive Director Alex Engler, Engagement and Policy Manager Alexis Frisbie, and Research Analyst Victoria Feng.
Professor Lelkes Wins Carnegie
President Jameson Launches Center
Our Work
Using Cutting Edge Data Science
Expanding Access to Media Data
The Penn Media Accountability Project is enhancing transparency at the scale of the information ecosystem.
LLMs Disagree on What Constitutes Hate Speech
Professor Yphtach Lelkes evaluates a range of LLMs, which disagree on what constitutes hate speech – a key finding for content moderation online.
Researching Media and Information Ecosystems
Cable News Diverges from Broadcast Television
Center Co-Director Duncan Watts demonstrates how cable news has become more biased – during both hards news and opinion shows.
Using Generative AI May Undercut Learning
Professor Shiri Melumad finds that learning through LLMs leads to shallower knowledge than using traditional search.
Strengthening the Pillars of Democracy
Fall 2025 Event Series
The Center is hosting an event series in the Fall 2025 semester on pressing topics central to the future of democracy.